Chris Berman is Reportedly Retiring After Next Season

Chris Berman is reportedly leaving ESPN after the 2016-17 NFL season, according to a report from The Big Lead. Berman, who is as synonymous with the NFL as any broadcaster, has been with the network since practically day one. He joined a month after the Worldwide Leader, then a boutique cable channel, was founded in 1979.

Berman, 61, is in the final year of his contract. He is reportedly planning to retire, not to join a competitor, which makes sense given his longstanding relationship with and loyalty to ESPN. He was only 24 years old when he first appeared on the network.

Berman’s replacement as host of Monday Night Countdown and Sunday NFL Countdown has not yet been announced. Many suspect Trey Wingo from NFL Live will transition into Berman’s role, but according to The Big Lead’s report, there is also an internal push for Suzy Kolber to earn the promotion.